If you’ve ever dreamt of a tropical island that serves up both jaw-dropping natural beauty and buzzing nightlife, then the twin-island archipelago of Koh Phi Phi is for you. Nestled off Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast, Koh Phi Phi offers everything from dramatic limestone karsts and turquoise water to barefoot beach bars and sunset viewpoints.

This is a place where mornings start with a longtail boat gliding through emerald coves and end with music drifting across the bay. A place where coral reefs, cliff jumping, fire shows, and smoothie bowls somehow all belong in one day.

Here’s your complete guide to the 20 best things to do in Koh Phi Phi - plus when to go, where to stay, and how to plan your visit for the perfect mix of paradise and adventure.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Wang Long Bay — *Exploring hidden gems of Koh Phi Phi*

A Quick Intro to Koh Phi Phi

Located in the Andaman Sea, the Koh Phi Phi islands (part of Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park) sit roughly 45 km southeast of Phuket and 40 km south of Krabi. The two main islands are Koh Phi Phi Don - the lively, inhabited base - and Koh Phi Phi Le, the uninhabited stunner made famous by The Beach (2000) starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

You come for the limestone cliffs and stay for the chaos-meets-charm. Towering karsts, soft white sand, coral gardens, and that unmistakable tropical glow. Koh Phi Phi Don thrums with energy: reggae bars, seafood grills, smoothie stalls, dive shops, and hammocks swaying in the sun.

Over the years, tourism has reshaped the island. Sometimes too much. Maya Bay was temporarily closed to let damaged corals recover. Yet even with the crowds, Koh Phi Phi retains an unfiltered magic: sunsets blazing across the bay, barefoot locals frying noodles at night, and the absence of cars that makes everything feel unhurried.

If you come expecting deserted beaches, you’ll be slightly disappointed. But if you come seeking that sweet spot of beauty, ease, and fun - you’re in for one of Thailand’s most unforgettable island experiences.

Our Experiences in Koh Phi Phi

We’ve visited Koh Phi Phi several times - sometimes purely for the island itself, other times as part of a longer island-hopping trip to Koh Lanta or Koh Ngai. Each arrival feels cinematic: the boat gliding in, cliffs towering ahead, Phi Phi Don on your left and Maya Bay shimmering in the distance.

When you step off the ferry, there’s no hum of engines - the island is car-free. You either carry your bags to your hotel or a porter wheels them on a hand-cart. That’s one of the main reasons we love Koh Phi Phi: you walk everywhere. Down narrow alleys, across beaches, up jungle trails. Everything you need - restaurants, dive shops, cafés - is close by.

Yes, it’s touristy. But it’s also alive. Local markets still bustle, fishermen chat over Thai tea, and you can still find places where locals eat - often hidden behind the main strip.

Koh Phi Phi has everything you could want in an island escape: world-class beaches, vibrant nightlife, laid-back cafés, dive centers, massage huts, and sunset viewpoints. You can snorkel by day, party by night, and still find quiet corners where waves, not music, set the rhythm.

Maya Bay may be the star attraction, but there are countless other amazing things to do in Koh Phi Phi.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Arriving — *Arriving at Koh Phi Phi*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Maya Bay in Distance — *Maya Bay in the distance*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Backpacks — *Walking to the hotel with our backpacks*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Longtail Boat Private Trip — *Longtail trips in Koh Phi Phi*

20 Best Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi

1. Visit Maya Bay

No trip to Koh Phi Phi is complete without seeing Maya Bay. This perfect curve of white sand framed by 100-metre limestone cliffs on Koh Phi Phi Le is what turned the island into a global icon. Over-tourism once forced its closure for coral and environmental restoration, but it has since reopened under strict visitor limits.

You now arrive via a pier on the back of the island, walking a short raised trail through the jungle before emerging onto the beach. The reveal is breathtaking. Go early in the morning, before 10 a.m., to experience its serenity before the speedboats swarm in.

It’s often the first stop on boat tours, followed by Pi Leh Bay. Even with new restrictions (like no swimming), Maya Bay remains unforgettable. It feels like you’re standing inside a postcard.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Maya Bay Speedboat Tour — *Speedboat tour to Maya Bay*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Maya Bay — *Maya Bay early in the morning without crowds*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Maya Bay The Beach — *Maya Bay*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Maya Bay Limestone Cliffs — *Admiring the limestone cliffs of Maya Bay*

2. Take a Longtail Boat to Nui Beach

Hire a private longtail boat and ask your captain to take you to Nui Beach, one of Koh Phi Phi’s prettiest small coves. Enclosed by cliffs and reachable only by sea, it’s peaceful compared to the main beaches.

We spent hours here swimming, sunbathing, and watching shadows crawl across the cliffs. Bring water, sunscreen, and maybe a snorkel mask - the shallow reefs hide flashes of coral and tropical fish.

Go early or late to dodge the mid-day rush from small group tours. Sometimes it’s just you, a few boats, and a soundtrack of the sea lapping on shore.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Longtail to Nui Beach — *Arriving at Nui Beach*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Longtail Captain — *Captain taking us to Nui Beach*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Nui Beach — *Nui Beach*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Nui Beach Longtail Trip — *Nui Beach*

3. Explore Wang Long Bay

Few places capture Koh Phi Phi’s drama like Wang Long Bay, a narrow inlet encircled by towering limestone karsts. You slip between the rocks on your longtail boat, water turning jade in the shade, then anchor and swim to a tiny beach.

We jumped off the boat straight into the clear water, laughing and snapping photos. There might be a handful of other boats, but it never feels crowded. Bring fins or a snorkel - the water here is ideal for floating and exploring. It’s a hidden gem worth every baht.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Wang Long Bay Beach — *Secluded Beach at Wang Long Bay*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Wang Long Bay Longtail Boat — *Swimming at Wang Long Bay*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Hidden Gem — *Good times at Wang Long Bay*

4. Relax on Phi Phi Don’s Main Beaches

Koh Phi Phi Don is ringed with stunning beaches, many walkable from Tonsai Village.

Loh Dalum Beach: The social heart - calm, shallow, ideal for swimming or grabbing a cocktail at sunset.
Tonsai Bay: The main arrival point, good for views and boat watching.
Long Beach: About a 25-minute walk or 10-minute longtail ride from town, offering quieter vibes and great snorkeling right off the sand.

Spend a lazy afternoon hopping between them. Order a coconut, nap under a palm, or nurse a smoothie if last night’s beach party hit a little too hard. It’s the perfect hangover cure: soft sand, calm seas and nothing on the agenda.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Beach Relaxing — *Loh Dalum Beach*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Beaches — *Beaches of Koh Phi Phi*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Loh Dalum Beach — *Longtail boats*

5. Hire a Kayak and Go Exploring

Kayaking is one of the most rewarding (and cheapest) ways to see Koh Phi Phi. Rent one from Loh Dalum Beach (hourly or full-day) and paddle along the coastline at your own pace. Bring a dry bag, sunscreen, and a hat. Morning or late afternoon paddles are best when the sea is calm.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Kayaking — *Kayaks at Loh Dalum Beach*

6. Get Lost in Tonsai Village’s Little Streets

Behind the beachfront, Tonsai Village is the island’s heart - a tangle of narrow lanes filled with life. No cars, no stress: just flip flops on concrete and the smell of grilled seafood in the air. Wander without a plan: cafés, tattoo studios, smoothie stands, souvenir shops, massage huts, reggae bars, and little minimarts appear around every corner.

This is how we found our favourite food market, tucked away behind the main strip, full of locals and workers eating authentic Thai dishes for a fraction of beachfront prices. Pad kra pao, spicy papaya salad, grilled squid - the real deal.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Beef Noodle Soup — *Local market in Koh Phi Phi*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Luggage Cart — *Koh Phi Phi by night*

7. Eat at the Local Food Markets

When evening comes, follow the smells of sizzling garlic and lemongrass. Local markets behind Tonsai Village serve up the best food on the island - cheap, fast, authentic. Wooden stalls, plastic chairs, cold beers, huge portions. Pad thai, beef noodle soup, green papaya salad, mango sticky rice - all cooked fresh.

We ate here nearly every night, joining Thai locals for communal dinners that cost less than a cocktail. If you love real Thai flavours, skip the beachfront restaurants and go straight here.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Local Market — *Local food market*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Market Street Food — *Delicious local food*

8. Join a Yoga Class Overlooking the Sea

Start one of your days with sunrise yoga by the sea. Several resorts and small studios around Loh Dalum Beach and Tonsai Village offer open-air sessions where you can stretch as the first light spills over the cliffs. Even if you’re not a regular yogi, the calm energy and stunning views are unforgettable. It’s the perfect balance to the island’s lively nights - grounding, peaceful, and deeply refreshing.

9. Hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint

Every list of things to do in Koh Phi Phi includes it because it’s that good. The Phi Phi Viewpoint trail winds uphill from Tonsai Village through steps and shaded forest to a panoramic lookout over the twin bays.

Go in the late afternoon to avoid the harshest heat, bring a bottle of water, and expect about a 30–40 minute climb. At the top, grab a cold drink from the little café, find a rock, and watch the sun dip behind the hills.

If you’ve got the energy, continue another 10–15 minutes to Viewpoint 2 and Viewpoint 3, where the crowds thin and the perspective widens. Here you’ll find a quieter, even more breathtaking reward for the climb. The view - turquoise bays splitting the island’s hourglass shape - is pure magic.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Phi Phi Viewpoint 1 — *Phi Phi Viewpoint 1*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Phi Phi Viewpoint — *Phi Phi Viewpoint*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Viewpoint — *Sunset at the Viewpoint*

10. Scuba Dive or Snorkel in the Nearby Islands

Koh Phi Phi is one of Thailand’s top diving destinations. Dive sites like Bida Nok, Bida Nai, and Shark Point are teeming with marine life - reef sharks, turtles, clownfish, and swirling schools of snapper.

If you’re certified, join a local dive operator for two-tank morning dives (expect around 3,000–3,500 THB). If you prefer snorkeling, book a day-trip that includes shallow reefs around Bamboo Island or Mosquito Island.

11. Take a Cheesy Photo with Ronald McDonald

It’s almost tradition. Right by the pier in Tonsai Beach stands a McDonald’s with a posing Ronald outside. Some travelers cringe, others laugh, but everyone takes the photo.

It’s the perfect symbol of Koh Phi Phi’s contradictions: paradise meets pop culture. Snap the shot, grab a McFlurry if you must, and then balance it with a fresh coconut from the next stall.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - McDonalds — *McDonalds*

12. Book a Boat Tour to Bamboo Island

About a 30-minute longtail ride from Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai) is a postcard come to life. Just picture powdery sand, turquoise water, and whispering casuarina trees.

Most tours combine Bamboo Island with other snorkeling stops, but if you can, arrange a private half-day trip and hang out there for a while. Swim, snorkel, or nap under the trees. The reef here is shallow but colourful. Think clownfish, sea urchins, and bright corals. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water, as there are few facilities.

13. Watch a Fire Show at Carlito’s Bar

As darkness falls, the beaches transform into open-air stages. Fire-dancers spin blazing torches, bars line the sand with beanbags, and the music drifts out over the sea.

We stumbled upon a fire show at Carlito’s Bar. Three performers juggling flaming sticks to the beat, sparks flying into the night sky. Grab a drink, sink your toes in the sand, and enjoy the show. It’s hypnotic, raw, and uniquely Koh Phi Phi.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Fire Show Carlito's Bar — *Fire show at Carlito’s Bar*

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Fire Show at Carlitos Bar — *Fire show performers*

14. Watch a Muay Thai Fight at Reggae Bar

In the heart of Tonsai Village, Reggae Bar hosts nightly Muay Thai fights - a mix of trained fighters and brave (or tipsy) volunteers.

We grabbed a couple of Leos, found seats in the stands, and spent the evening cheering as travelers sparred under neon lights. It’s chaotic fun, a little wild, and a must-see slice of island nightlife. Whether you’re watching expert Muay Thai fighters or fellow backpackers swing wildly, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Reggae Bar — *Reggae Bar*

15. Enjoy the Nightlife of Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi’s nightlife is legendary. From beer-pong bars to raving nightclubs, there’s something for every mood. For a lively night, head to Slinky Beach Bar or Ibiza Beach Club on Loh Dalum Beach.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Beer Pong — *Beer Pong at a bar in Koh Phi Phi*

16. Go Shopping

Shopping here is simple but fun. Wander through Tonsai Village’s maze of stalls selling sarongs, swimsuits, hand-woven bracelets, and carved wooden souvenirs.

You’ll also find dive shops, tattoo studios, and boutique clothing stores mixing Thai and surf styles. Prices can be flexible in some shops. Smile, barter politely, and everyone’s happy. Pick up something handmade for home, like a beautiful painting or framed photo of Koh Phi Phi.

17. Get a Thai Massage

After days of swimming, hiking, and partying, nothing beats a Thai massage. You’ll find parlours everywhere in Tonsai Village and along the beaches - some rustic, some spa-like. We dropped into one down a quiet alley: simple massage tables, kind smiles, skilled therapists. An hour later, we felt reborn.

Choose between a traditional dry Thai massage (stretching and pressure) or a relaxing oil massage. Either way, you’ll float out ready for another round of exploring.

18. Watch the Sunset from a Hidden Bar

While Phi Phi Viewpoint is famous, some of the island’s best sunsets happen at random spots you find by wandering. One evening we followed our noses and ended up at an empty bar with awesome views. We ordered drinks, watched longtails drift home, and saw the sky catch fire.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Sunset — *Sunset in Koh Phi Phi*

19. Hike to Loh Moo Dee Beach

If you’re craving a quiet patch of sand away from the crowds, set out on the short jungle trail to Ao Loh Mo Dee Beach on the island’s southeast coast. The walk takes about 25 minutes from the main village, winding through palms and shady forest before opening onto a curve of powdery white sand and calm, clear water.

It’s usually far less crowded than the main beaches, making it ideal for swimming, reading, or just listening to the waves. Bring water and snacks - there’s often only a small beach shack selling drinks. This little detour shows off a different side of Koh Phi Phi Don: peaceful, natural, and wonderfully simple.

20. Plan Your Next Island Adventure

Koh Phi Phi is perfectly positioned for onward travel. Once you’ve soaked up the energy, hop to nearby islands:

Koh Lanta: Bigger, calmer, full of character.
Koh Ngai or Koh Kradan: Tiny, pristine, romantic.
Koh Lipe: Dubbed the “Maldives of Thailand”, way down south but worth the journey.

Speedboats and ferries leave daily. Book through local agencies and ask around to find the best prices. We’ve used Koh Phi Phi as both a destination and launchpad. Either way, it never disappoints.

When to Visit Koh Phi Phi

The sweet spot is November to April, when seas are calm and skies are blue. May to October brings the monsoon, still beautiful but with choppier seas and occasional showers. Visiting shoulder months (October or May) means fewer crowds and slightly lower prices.

How Many Days for Koh Phi Phi

You can technically see the highlights in two or three days, but for a balanced trip (boat tours, beaches, nightlife, downtime) stay four or five nights to explore hidden bays and actually feel the rhythm of island life. Koh Phi Phi isn’t a place to rush. It rewards those who linger.

How to Get to Koh Phi Phi

You can reach Koh Phi Phi by ferry or speedboat from:

Phuket: (Rassada Pier) – Around 2 hours by ferry or 60 minutes by speedboat.
Krabi: (Klong Jilad Pier or Ao Nang) – 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Koh Lanta: 1 hour by speedboat, ideal if you’re continuing north.
Bangkok: Fly to Phuket or Krabi, and then take a speedboat.

When you arrive at Tonsai Pier in Koh Phi Phi, there’s a small environmental fee (usually 20 THB). From there, your hotel is a short walk or luggage-cart ride away.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Pier — *Pier at Koh Phi Phi*

Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi

Here are three excellent options for different budgets, based on comfort, location, and atmosphere:

Budget - Blanco Beach Bar Hostel

Right on Loh Dalum Beach, Blanco Beach Bar Hostel is the ultimate backpacker hub. It’s lively, social, and steps from the beach. Expect parties, pub crawls, and quick access to everything. If you’re traveling solo or want to meet new people, this is the place to be.

High End – Phi Phi Coco Beach Resort

Tucked at the quieter end of Loh Dalum Beach, Coco Beach Resort offers beautiful bamboo bungalows, a lovely pool, and easy beach access. It’s stylish yet relaxed - perfect for couples or friends seeking a mix of buzz and peace.

Luxury – SAii Phi Phi Island Village

Located on a private stretch of Loh Ba Kao Bay, SAii Phi Phi Island Village is paradise personified. Thatched-roof villas, an infinity pool, multiple restaurants, and easy access to quieter beaches make it one of the island’s best-luxury picks.

Tips for Visiting Koh Phi Phi

Pack Light: You’ll be carrying your luggage along narrow, sandy paths. Wheels only help so much, so a backpack is ideal.
Bring Cash: ATMs exist but sometimes run out. You’ll need some cash for snacks, massages, and market meals.
Respect Nature: Follow the rules at Maya Bay and other protected zones - the ecosystem is still recovering.
Hydrate and Protect from the Sun: The heat is no joke. Refillable water bottles and reef-safe sunscreen are your friends.
Book in Advance (Nov–Feb): High season fills up fast, especially for popular hotels.
Go Early: Whether it’s Maya Bay, Wang Long Bay, or Nui Beach - early morning equals fewer crowds and beautiful light for photography.

Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi - Longtail Boats — *Longtail boats at Koh Phi Phi*

20 Best Things To Do in Koh Phi Phi (Beyond Maya Bay)